Quantum critical charge response from higher derivatives: is more different?

Abstract

We present new possibilities for the charge response in the quantum critical regime in 2+1D using holography, and compare them with field theory and recent quantum Monte Carlo results. We show that a family of (infinitely many) higher derivative terms in the gravitational bulk leads to behavior far richer than what was previously obtained. For example, we prove that the conductivity becomes unbounded, undermining previously obtained constraints. We further find a non-trivial and infinite set of theories that have a self-dual conductivity. Particle-vortex or S duality plays a key role; notably, it maps theories with a finite number of bulk terms to ones with an infinite number. Many properties such as sum rules and stability conditions are proved.

5+13 pages, 4+7 figs. Main text double column. 7 (detailed) appendices. v2: New fig in main text, new appendix and references, typos corrected, more detailed discussion of asymptotics